‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface recently after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”